researchfinalproject

[researchfinalproject]

4th Man Out (2015)

4th Man Out is a movie starring Evan Todd, as Adam, a 20-something guy who decides to come out to his friends. His friends are very surprised, but soon decide it’s their job to find a guy for their friend. The movie focuses on their friendship and all of them coming to terms with Adam’s sexuality. This indie comedy has its funny moments and its own unique charm that makes it enjoyable to watch. However, it had some tired stereotypes thrown in the movie.

In this scene, Adam is sitting down with his friends, Chris, Nick, and Ortu, after he has already come out to them. His friends are introducing him to the app Tinder in attempts to help him find a guy. They talk about how Adam has an advantage by being gay because he is a guy and knows what other guys are like and what they like to do.

Watch the clip from 0:52-the end 

My Approach:

“As a gay guy you have the ultimate advantage” Chris says. Adam pauses. Is that really true? He thinks.

“I don’t know if that’s true though…” Adam trails off, not sure if he really wants to have this conversation right now.

“What do you mean? You’re a dude so you know what other dudes like to do and stuff,” Chris questions.

“Yeah sure I guess, but every guy is different just like every girl is different” Adam begins. His friends are quiet around him.

Finally Chris nods. “Yeah I guess that’s true.”

Adam takes a deep breath. “Look it’s not even about that. Maybe I have an advantage there, maybe I don’t. But it’s just…” Adam’s heart is pounding. He had thought coming out would be hard enough, but having this conversation is a whole different story, but he plunders on. “I don’t have an advantage in so many other aspects as a gay guy.” The word still feels strange in his mouth, after so many years of never saying it out loud. “I have to worry when I go up to a guy about whether I’m going to get punched in the face or harassed if I hit on him.”

“Hey, I’ve gotten slapped by girls a few times over the years,” Ortu points out.

Nick rolls his eyes. “It’s only because you’re an idiot dude.”

Chris and Adam both laugh, before Chris turns to face his friend next to him. “Sorry Adam. I mean I should have thought more about what I was saying. I never thought about it like that.”

“I just feel like I need to get this out you know?” Nick, Chris and Ortu all rearrange themselves so that they can look at Adam properly as he continues. “I am really happy that you guys are so chill with this because I’ve been so terrified to tell you for so long. Because it hasn’t been easy and it’s definitely still not easy.”

“Hey man, we got your back,” Nick says with a smile, Ortu and Chris making affirming noises from the other side of the couch.

“Yeah of course,” Chris says.

“Now let’s focus on getting you a hot date, dude,” Ortu exclaims, pointing to Adam’s phone.

Adam rolls his eyes, but he smiles and settles back against the couch, as his friends lean in to watch him scroll through the app.

~~~~

In rewriting this scene, I tried to accomplish a couple things with adding in this more extended dialogue between Adam and his friends. Firstly, I wanted to break down the stereotype that just because Adam is a guy that likes guys means that he will have an easy time relating to and getting along with a guy. Not all men, and more specifically, not all gay men are alike, which is a stereotype that is actually pushed against later in the movie when Adam is set up on a date with a friend of a friend. The two quickly realize they have nothing in common, much to the surprise of their mutual friends. In this scene on the couch, I wanted to hint at this stereotype more. I also wanted there to be more of a discussion about the problem of seeing Adam as having an “advantage” as a gay man. In many ways, Adam does have a lot of privilege racially and in terms of gender, but the idea of Adam having an advantage by being not straight just did not seem right to me, so I wanted Adam to be able to speak on that more and have his friends begin to see the problems with some of the things they said.

[researchfinalproject]

Love, Simon (2018)

Love, Simon is a film directed by Greg Berlanti, starring Nick Robinson as the title character. Though at the surface this film is just another high school story, it’s focus on a closeted gay teen makes it stand out. This was a film that captured the struggle of being closeted in high school with poignancy, emotion, and humor. This film was able to steer clear of many of the stereotypes that are so often seen in films with queer characters. Instead it portrayed many of the aspects of the queer experience with accuracy and relateability. 

However, one line stood out to me from the very first time I saw the trailer. This line is used in the movie as well, towards the beginning when Simon’s character is first being introduced. The line “I live a perfectly normal life” is such a small part, but it still bothered me slightly every time I heard it.

Watch from the beginning until 1:04

My Approach:

“My name is Simon, and for the most part my life is just like it seems from the outside. My dad was the annoyingly handsome jock who married the hot valedictorian. And no, they didn’t peak in high school. I have a sister who I actually like, and great friends...”

“So like I said, my life is basically what it looks like from the outside. Except I have one huge-ass secret.” 

~~~

Looking at it one way, it could be that Simon is saying that having a giant secret (regardless of what the secret) is not normal. But there is a part of me that always hears it as “my life is perfectly normal except for the fact that I am gay.” This interpretation points towards the idea that being gay is abnormal. I do not believe that this is the intention behind the line based on the message of the film, but the ambiguity and wording still stood out to me.

By removing the “just like you” and “my life is perfectly normal,” I got rid of the connotation that being gay is an aspect that is abnormal in someone’s life, as well as the idea that gay people are very different and are unable to to be “just like you.” Even though this is a small piece, it gets rid of any hint that being queer is something that completely separates people based in sexuality, when in reality we are all more alike than different, no matter who we love. 

[researchfinalproject]

G.B.F. (2013)

GBF is a film about a high school student, Tanner, who gets accidentally outed by a fellow student. Upon the student body learning that he is gay, he gets taken under the wing, or more accurately, fought over, by the school’s queen bees, who make it their mission to have Tanner as their “gay best friend.”

As funny, and sometimes accurate to the queer experience as this film is, it reinforces many harmful stereotypes, mainly the idea that gay men can be treated like a prize to be won by straight women as the “gay best friend.”

In this video, there is a compilation of scenes showing the budding friendship between Tanner, and one of the most popular girls, Fawcett. However, although the film does portray them as friends, there are a lot of problems with the way Fawcett treats Tanner. He does call her out for it on a few occasions, but her character continually promotes offensive stereotypes and often treats Tanner more as a toy and a tool for her to get more popular than a human being with more than just one trait (being gay). 

Watch the video from the beginning until 1:31

My Approach:

1.     “Before I went through school completely under the radar, scared to act completely myself. But now, with the school’s queen bees by my side, no one could mess with me, even if I did actually act more like myself. For once I was actually able to enjoy being in the spotlight because I didn’t have to feel ashamed or scared anymore. Before I started hanging out with Fawcett and the other girls, most people didn’t know who I was. But now that we were friends, people outside of my immediate friend group were actually noticing and talking to me. Maybe coming out wasn’t the worst accident that could ever happen to me…”

2.    “Everyone knows that ‘mo’s are always way ahead of what’s hot and what’s so not,” Fawcett said from her place walking beside Tanner. Tanner rolled his eyes but didn’t say anything.

“On a completely unrelated note, I made you some double-fudge brownies last night!” ‘Shley says cheerily.

“Um, ‘Shley don’t you know anything?” Fawcett says, snatching the container of brownies from her hands. “Gays don’t do carbs,” stating it as if it’s a well-known fact.

Tanner shakes his head. Sure, he can take the makeover, and the new acquaintances, but this is too much. “Look, I may just be one gay kid, who doesn’t know everything, but I know that not all gay guys are the same.” His voice started to quiet, but has developed into the more frantic tone that he hates, but Tanner is determined to say this once and for all, even if the three girls are staring at him like they’ve never seen him before. “You guys keep trying to lump me into this big, gay, box, but we don’t all like shopping, or musicals, or - or whatever.” Fawcett looks like she is about to interrupt, so Tanner starts talking again, “I have fun with you guys, but I hate when you try to tell me how to be just because of some gay stereotypes.” He doesn’t want to look at them because he just knows that he totally screwed this up.

“Well,” ‘Shley starts, Fawcett already rolling her eyes at whatever she is about to say. “I guess it’s kind of like when people just assume things about mormon people.” Of course that would be her response, Tanner thinks, but he’s relieved that she at least isn’t mad at him.

“Sorry Tanner,” Caprice says, Fawcett echoing her apology as she puts her arm around Tanner’s shoulders.  

It’s not perfect but it’s a start, Tanner thinks, as he continues walking down the hallway with them.

~~~~

In the first scene I wanted to adjust the wording of Tanner’s narration. Instead of him promoting the idea of the G.B.F., I wanted him to instead put more emphasis on his coming out and being open about his identity and the positive response that many of his classmates have had after learning about him being gay.

The second scene I changed was adding more of a discussion of the problematic ways that Fawcett and the other popular girls treat Tanner. Tanner stands up for himself a few times during the movie, but overall I wanted more of an explicit statement from Tanner himself explaining why the idea of the G.B.F is a problem.

[researchfinalproject]

The Birdcage (1996)

The birdcage adapted from the original French movie, La Cage aux Folles (1978), stars Robin Williams as Armand and Nathan Lane as Albert, a couple who own a gay nightclub in Miami. The film focuses on Val, their son’s (biological son of William’s character) engagement and the meeting of the two families. However, Val has a request: that his father acts straight, Albert is out of the picture, and his estranged mother is invited to put on the front of being a “normal” family. However, things get complicated when Nathan Lane’s character decides to dress in drag and pretend to be his mother, leading to confusion and mix-ups when his actual mother shows up. The humor and light-heartedness of this film is undermined by the sometimes problematic portrayals of gayness in some of the characters and the tone of the film towards these characters. 

In this scene, it is revealed that Albert has been pretending to be Val’s mother the whole time, much to the surprise of Barbara’s parents and the surprise of Val’s biological mother, Katherine, who has just arrived ready to play her part. 

My Approach:

“Let me explain,” Armand says, softly touching Albert’s hand. 

“Yes, please do explain to all of us” the senator says, his tone and facial expression looking like he is barely containing himself from bursting out. “I don’t want to embarrass this lovely lady,” he says, pointing to Albert, “but exactly how many mother’s does Val have?”

Everyone is silent, and both Armand and Albert are staring at each other with shock and horror written all over their faces. Val finally steps forward, placing a hand on Albert’s shoulder. “Just one, and I’ve been truly awful to him, and my father.” All looks down at the ground, unable to make eye contact with any of the astounded faces around him. He turns to his parents: “I should never have asked you to hide who you guys are,” Val continues,. 

The senator splutters “What the hell is going on here?”

“Dad!” Barbara reprimands him.

“Don’t you talk to me like that, young lady” her father warns, pointing at her where she stands next to Armand. “Who exactly are you people?” He nearly shouts. 

“Please,” Val says, finally looking up and gazing pleadingly at the senator. “I need to say this.” Senator Kevin Keeley seems too shocked to make a response. Val angles his body back towards his parents. “I was so wrong to have asked you guys to change yourselves, for this, for me. I should never have been ashamed of you because both of you have been and still are amazing parents.” Val is slightly shaky, and his eyes are tearing up. “Albert, I am so sorry I made you feel like I hated you. I was selfish and rude and - and I understand if I’ve lost your respect...” Val breaks off, too choked up to continue speaking. 

Albert is crying now, fiddling with his unruly wig in his hands. He is too emotional to speak, and turns to Armand instead, who is managing to stay pulled together somewhat more successfully. “Val,” Armand says, his tone is stern but his eyes are gentle as he looks at his son. “You have made us feel ashamed all because of your own shame. But I agreed to it because I love you, and so does Albert.” Albert nods furiously and dabs at his eyes with a handkerchief. “We will always love you because you are our son, but we will never tolerate this sort of treatment from you again, do you understand.” 

Val nods. “I’m so sorry.” 

“Come here.” Armand opens his arms and both Albert and Val fold into them. Barbara smiles and clasps her hands in happiness. The senator looks at them, utterly confused, his mouth agape. 

~~~

By changing this scene to include an apology from Val, the story can begin to take shape in a different way. Val’s requests of his parents to go back into the closet and change who they are is offensive and homophobic in many ways. Of course, he should never have asked them to do this in the first place, but even by having him apologize at the end for his actions shows the audience the true damage he has done, even if most of it is played for laughs. Without this scene, it makes it seem as if Val’s requests are if not okay, still easily forgivable and unnecessary of another mention. By adding this conversation between Val and his parents, the film can convey the message of just how harmful it is to ask someone to change who they are in order to put on a front of being a “typical family” when in reality, Val’s family as it is seems to be a much better example of family values than Barbara’s. 

[researchfinalproject]

Chasing Amy (1997)

Chasing Amy stars Ben Affleck as Holden, a comic book writer who falls in love with another comic creator, Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams). At first they are just friends, due to the fact that Alyssa is a lesbian, however, Holden eventually admits that he is in love with Alyssa, who after an arguments, kisses him. The two then begin a complicated romantic relationship, which they ultimately terminate. Looking deeper into the film, it seems that it relies on the problematic viewpoint that lesbians just need to find the “right” man.

If Alyssa had been initially introduced as a bisexual/queer character, or if there had been a discussion of the fluidity of sexuality (demonstrating the idea that labels don’t always have the ability to fully encompass someone’s sexuality) than this film may have not been propelled by this problematic stereotype. 

The scene I chose is when Alyssa is first telling her (lesbian) friends that she is dating a man. The scene is set in one of her friend’s apartments, where they are all doing arts and crafts, painting, and chatting. Upon opening up to them, all of Alyssa’s friends reject her and seem disgusted by her current dating life. Instead of accepting Alyssa and talking it through with her, they leave the scene. 

My Approach:

“What? What are you even talking about?” Alyssa asks, sounding slightly flustered. 

“You are!” Dalia exclaims. “‘I met someone. We have a great time. They’re from my hometown.’ Doesn’t this tube of wonderful have a name?”

Alyssa stays silent for a moment, and all the women stare at her expectantly. Taking a deep breath and not looking up from her painting, Alyssa says quietly, but with determination, “Holden.” Alyssa stops painting and looks around at her friends who all have varying expressions of shock on their faces. 

She sighs, “Look, I know what you’re going to say: ‘But aren’t you gay’, and” here Alyssa takes on a slightly mocking tone: “‘another lesbian bites the dust’ and all that but I actually care about him. He’s really sweet to me and we relate so well. You guys’d love him, really.” She finally stops talking and there is another moment of tense silence. 

Dalia finally speaks up, “I will say, it’s definitely not what I was expecting you to say, but if you really care about him, and he’s good to you, then I’m not going to say anything against it,” she finishes with a shrug. 

Jane nods in agreement. “Alyssa, we were all introduced to you as a lesbian but that doesn’t have to be who you are.” Jane looks around the room, pausing to try to find the right words. “What I mean is, maybe you don't have to label yourself. Like, whoever you love, no matter who they are, we’re happy for you, right?”

“Of course,” Tory jumps in with a smile at Alyssa. 

“Thanks,” Alyssa smiles back, genuinely, if not a bit hesitantly. “I’m honestly confused about a lot of things right now, but at the moment I’m having a good time with Holden, and I want to give it a chance.”

~~~

By re-approaching the scene like this, I am giving Alyssa the supportive friend group that she deserves, and also beginning to break down the undertone of the “lesbian just needing the right man” that I discussed earlier. If the audience is given the chance to see Alyssa as an openly, and accepted sexually fluid character, then there would not have to be such a black and white interpretation of the film. In this way, some of those problematic stereotypes against lesbians and queer women in general can begin to fade from the film and give more justice to Alyssa and the characters of the film.